“Yes?” I ask, my hands now on his chest.
“I’m so sorry I fucked things up.”
“I know,” I say as I detect the vulnerability in his voice. “But we’re moving on.”
His eyes meet mine. “And you’re moving on with me?”
“Yes,” I answer, bringing his lips to mine. “I’m moving on with you, Eli.”
We make out for a few more minutes, just like that, me on the bathroom counter, him holding me tightly, exploring my mouth, never letting go.
“Missed you, Penny. So fucking much.”
“Missed you too, Eli.”
We spend the next few minutes cleaning up and getting ready for bed. I reach for my nightgown, but he pulls it away and kisses my shoulder, asking me to sleep naked with him.
I couldn’t think of anything better than to be skin on skin with this man.
We both get under the covers, and when he pulls me into him tonight, instead of my back to his stomach, I rest my head on his chest and curl my arm around him.
“Do you have any plans tomorrow?” he asks as he softly strokes my skin.
“Well, I was supposed to work, but the team I work for was eliminated from the playoffs tonight.”
“They didn’t deserve to be in it. Most of them didn’t have their heads in the game.”
“You being one of them,” I say as I drag my finger over his abs.
“Yeah, my heart and head weren’t in it. I’d never say this to the guys, but I’m glad we’re done.”
“Uh . . . yeah, don’t ever say that to the guys.” He chuckles, but I ask, “Why are you glad?”
“It was too much to figure out, everything between you and me, the unknown, and walking on eggshells around Pacey. I just needed a second, you know? But you can’t have a second during the season. It’s a constant grind.”
“I get it. So, then why are you asking about tomorrow?”
“I want to take you out for your birthday. I royally fucked up and want to make it up to you.”
“That’s not necessary, Eli.”
“It is for me.” He tilts my chin up so I have to look him in the eyes. “Please, let me do this for you.”
I sigh heavily and curl into him again. “I mean if you must.”
He chuckles. “I must.” And then he kisses the top of my head. “Penny?”
“Yeah?” I ask as my hand wanders farther down his abs. “I hope you realize, I’m going to fuck you again . . . and again . . . and again. I hope you aren’t planning on sleeping.”
“Wouldn’t even dream of it.”
* * *
“Good morning,”I say as Eli hovers over me, a smile on his face.
“Happy Birthday.”
“It was yesterday,” I groan as I attempt to close my eyes again, but he’s not going to have anything to do with that as he pulls the covers off my body.
